Introduction to Networking and Data Communication

Types of Computer Networks

By the end of the lesson you should be able to: Identify and describe types of computer networks

Computer networks are classified into

• Local Area Networks(LANS)
• Metropolitan Area Networks(MAN)
• Wide Area Networks(WAN)

Local Area Network

This a network formed when computers are connected together in a small geographical area of upto 3km radius, for example on the same floor, building or block of buildings

Characteristics of LANs are:

• Occupy only small physical location
• They are either peer-to-peer or client/server networks
• Have high-speed data transfer rates
• All data is part of local network

Metropolitan Area Network

A MAN  covers a medium sized geographical area, such a town. MAN connects several LANs together using high-speed telephone lines, such as leased lines or wireless communication

Wide Area Network

WAN  cover unlimited geographical areas across the country and entire world .